San Andreas, CA…On September 10th,, 2019 the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office Marijuana Enforcement Unit served a search warrant for illegal marijuana cultivation at an address in the 12000 block of Armstrong Road in Sheep Ranch. Deputies eradicated 6,588 growing marijuana plants at an outdoor marijuana growing operation. Two suspects were seen fleeing the scene and, although they were not apprehended, evidence seized from the scene is still being examined and the investigation is ongoing.

On September 10th, 2019 deputies served a second search warrant (unrelated) at another address in the 12000 block of Armstrong Road in Sheep Ranch. Deputies eradicated 48 growing marijuana plants at an outside marijuana growing operation. The suspects were not at the location at the time of the warrant, however, evidence seized from the scene is still being examined and the investigation is ongoing.

On September 12th, 2019 a search warrant was served on a parcel with no assigned address near the 9000 block of Swiss Ranch Road. Deputies eradicated 1,013 growing marijuana plants and seized a small amount of processed marijuana and a firearm. Calaveras Code Compliance was called to the scene and the code enforcement officer “Red Tagged” 3 buildings on the parcel for code violations. No suspects were located at the scene, however, evidence was collected and the investigation is ongoing.

On September 13th, 2019 deputies served a search warrant at an address in the 400 block of Ridge Road in Railroad Flat for illegal marijuana cultivation. 247 growing marijuana plants were eradicated and two persons were located at the grow site and placed under arrest. Farm Saeturn, age 64 of Railroad Flat, and Kae Camero, age 27 of Railroad Flat, were booked into the Calaveras County Jail on charges of 11358 (C) H&S Illegal Marijuana Cultivation, 11359 H&S Possession of Marijuana for Sale, and 11366 H&S Maintaining a Drug House.

On September 13th, 2019 deputies served a second search warrant (unrelated) on an address in the 2000 block of Prussian Hill Road in Railroad Flat. The residence had been converted into an indoor marijuana growing facility and numerous health and safety hazards were located, including severe mold. 2,126 growing marijuana plants were eradicated and 22 pounds of processed marijuana was seized. Calaveras Code Compliance were called to the scene and “Red Tagged” the residence. Two suspects were located at the grow site and were placed under arrest. Caixiang Chen, age 53 of Railroad Flat, and Juan Lin, age 55 of Railroad Flat, were booked into the Calaveras County Jail on charges of 11358 (C) H&S Illegal Marijuana Cultivation, 11359 H&S Possession of Marijuana for Sale, and 11366 H&S Maintaining a Drug House, 11366.5 H&S Rent or Lease a Drug House, and 182 PC Conspiracy to Commit Crime.

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information on illegal marijuana cultivation sites to call the Sheriff’s Marijuana Tip Line at (209) 754-6870.